Use of bromine anions in an optical electrowetting device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the use of a bromine anion in the conductive fluid of an optical electrowetting device, especially a variable focus optical lens driven by electrowetting. The invention also pertains to a multi-phase liquid composition comprising a bromine anion, as well as an optical lens driven by electrowetting comprising the same.

The invention relates to the use of bromine anions in an opticalelectrowetting device, particularly an optical lens driven byelectrowetting containing a multi-phase liquid. The invention alsorelates to an optical electrowetting device, particularly an opticallens driven by electrowetting containing a conductive fluid comprisingbromine anions, and a non conductive fluid which is immiscible into saidconductive fluid.

Optical electrowetting devices are devices capable of modifying anincident beam to achieve a specific optical function. They includevariable focus liquid lenses, optical diaphragms, optical zooms,ophthalmic devices and are increasingly proposed in a number ofapplications and apparatuses, such as for example cameras, cell phones,telemeters, endoscopes, dental videos and the like.

An optical lens driven by electrowetting and of variable focal length isdescribed for example in European Patent EP-B1-1,166,157, the content ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 1 of the presentapplication corresponds to FIG. 12 of that patent. A cell is defined bya fluid chamber comprising a lower plate 7,9 and an upper plate 1, and aperpendicular (normal to), or substantially perpendicular (normal to),axis A. The lower plate, which is non-planar, comprises a conical orcylindrical depression or recess 3, which contains a non-conductive orinsulating fluid 4. The remainder of the cell is filled with anelectrically displaceable conductive fluid 5 along the axis Δ.

The fluids are non-miscible, in contact over a meniscus (A, B), and havea different refractive index and substantially the same density. Thecell comprises an electrical insulating substrate 2, arranged on atleast an area of the lower plate, on which both fluids are in contact.

The thickness of the insulating substrate is preferably comprisedbetween about 0.1 μm and about 100 μm. Generally, small thickness is tobe used for optical electrowetting devices working at low voltage,whereas thick insulating substrate is used for high voltageapplications.

On FIG. 1, the insulating substrate covers the entire lower plate, butit may be limited to an area of the lower plate on which both fluids arein contact. A first electrode is separated from the conductive fluid andthe insulating fluid by the insulating substrate. In this example, thelower plate comprises a conductive body 7 acting as the first electrodeand a transparent window 9 for the passage of the beam of light. Theconductive body in FIG. 1 is used for the centering of the nonconductive liquid. Another electrode 8 is in contact with the conductivefluid. The wettability of the insulating substrate by the conductivefluid varies under the application of a voltage V between the first andthe second electrodes, such that through electrowetting phenomena it ispossible to modify the shape of the meniscus, depending on the voltage Vapplied between the electrodes. Thus, a beam of light passing throughthe cell normal to the plates in the region of the drop will be focusedto a greater or lesser extent according to the voltage applied. VoltageV may be increased from 0 volt to a maximum voltage, which depends onthe used materials. For example, when the voltage increases, thenon-conducting liquid drop 4 deforms to reach a limiting position(designated as B). While drop 4 deforms from its position A (restposition, without tension, concave interface with conductive fluid 5) toits position B (convex interface with conductive fluid 5), the focus ofthe liquid lens varies.

The conductive fluid generally is a salt containing-aqueous fluid. Theinsulating fluid is typically an oil, an alkane or a mixture of alkanes,possibly halogenated.

The optical quality of an optical electrowetting device may vary in theconditions of use, depending on various parameters.

It has now been found that the conductive fluid must meet specificcriteria in order to provide a very performing lens to be used as avariable focus liquid lens, optical diaphragm, optical zoom and anyother optical device using electrowetting in an inside or outsideenvironment. The conductive fluid must also be as compatible as possiblewith both the non conductive fluid and the insulating plates and sidewalls encasing said optical electrowetting device.

WO 2004/099845 discloses an electrowetting module containing aconducting and/or polar fluid comprising water and a chlorine salt.

In B. Berge et al. (Eur. Phys. J. E., 3, (2000), 159-163) is disclosedan optical lens driven by electrowetting, wherein the conductive fluidis sodium sulfate in water.

The constant development of still more and more efficient opticalelectrowetting devices has led the inventors to consider the followingaspects which should be considered for use in an optical electrowettingdevice, especially a variable focus lens driven by electrowetting:

-   -   optical properties, such as transparency, are substantially        constant over a wide range of temperature;    -   transparency is recovered, upon and after thermal stress, within        an as short as possible period of time;    -   solubility of the components, such as salts in the conductive        fluid is substantially constant over a wide range of        temperature, especially at low temperatures;    -   both the conductive fluid and non-conductive fluid are non        corrosive towards the plates and side-walls of the device,        typically towards glass, stainless steel;

The objectives of the present invention are therefore to provide anoptical electrowetting device, especially a variable optical lens drivenby electrowetting, which meets at least one, preferably at least two,more preferably at least three, most preferably all, of the above listedaspects.

The inventors have now discovered that these and other objectives aremet in whole or in part with the use according to the present invention.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to the use of a bromine anionin the conductive fluid of an optical electrowetting device, especiallyan optical lens driven by electrowetting.

The invention also relates to a method of preparing an opticalelectrowetting device, especially an optical lens driven byelectrowetting, comprising using a bromine anion in the conductive fluidof said optical electrowetting device.

More particularly, the electrical conductive fluid comprises water andat least one bromine anion of any type. The source of the anion is anyorganic or inorganic, preferably inorganic, ionic or ionizable brominesalt.

In the following specification, “ionic salts” refers to salts that aretotally or substantially totally dissociated (as a bromine anion and acation) in water. “Ionizable salts” refers to salts that are totally orsubstantially totally dissociated in water, after chemical, physical orphysico-chemical treatment.

In the present specification and claims, the words “comprise/comprising”are synonymous with (means the same thing as) “include/including,”“contain/containing”, are inclusive or open-ended and do not excludeadditional, unrecited elements.

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to the use of abromine anion together with a cation in the conductive fluid of anoptical electrowetting device, especially an optical lens driven byelectrowetting.

Examples of cations include, but are not limited to, alkali,alkaline-earth and metallic cations. Organic and inorganic ionic brominesalts and ionizable bromine salts are thus well known in the art, andexamples of these include, but are not limited to alkali bromides andalkaline-earth bromides, such as sodium bromide and/or lithium bromide,as well as zinc bromide, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

Mixtures of one or more ionic bromine salts together with one or morebromine ionizable salts are also encompassed by the present invention.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the salts useful as a source of the bromine anion used in theconductive fluid include, but are not limited to zinc bromide, alkalibromides and alkaline-earth bromides, preferably sodium bromide and/orlithium bromide, lithium bromide being most preferred.

Lithium bromide and sodium bromide are particularly well suited for usein the conductive fluid of an optical electrowetting device, especiallyan optical lens driven by electrowetting.

Mixtures of bromine anions with other organic or inorganic salts, suchas chlorine salts, sulfate salts, acetates, are also encompassed by thepresent invention, although this does not represent a preferred aspectof the invention.

As already mentioned, the conductive fluid comprises a bromine anion,typically a bromine salt, dissolved in water.

Water to be used in the conductive fluid should be as pure as possible,i.e. free, or substantially free, of any other dissolved components thatcould alter the optical properties of the optical electrowetting device,optical lens driven by electrowetting.

Ultra pure water is most preferably used.

The concentration of the bromine anion in the conductive fluid may varyin large proportions, keeping in mind a too high concentration mayresult in undesirable increase of density, refractive index, opticaldispersion.

By way of example, when the source of bromine anion used is lithiumbromide (LiBr), a suitable concentration of LiBr in the conductive fluidis comprised between about 0.5 weight % and about 25 weight %,advantageously between about 1.0 weight % and about 20 weight %,preferably between about 1.0 weight % and about 15 weight %, typicallybetween about 1.5 weight % and about 10 weight %.

The use of bromine anion according to the invention in a conductivefluid for an optical electrowetting device, e.g. for an optical lensdriven by electrowetting, provides an optical electrowetting devicepresenting substantially no turbidity upon and after thermal stress, or,when turbidity is present, a relatively rapid recovery of transparency,for example a transparency recovery within less than about 80 hoursafter a thermal stress of at least about 15 hours, e.g. about 18 hours,at a temperature of about 85° C.

In the present specification, turbidity refers to haze that appearseither in the non-conductive fluid or in the conductive fluid or both,upon or after thermal stress.

Turbidity upon or after thermal stress of the fluids is measured using aturbidimeter, as explained in the illustrative examples.

In the present specification, for either or both the conductive andnon-conductive fluids, as well as for the optical electrowetting device,transparency is to be understood as a transmission of more than about96% over a wavelength range of from about 400 nm to about 700 nm and/ora scattering energy of less than about 2% in a 60° (degrees) cone aroundthe direct incidence in the same wavelength range.

According to another feature, the electrical conductive fluid comprisesat least one conventional freezing-point lowering agent. Asfreezing-point lowering agent, mention may be made of alcohol, glycol,glycol ether, polyol, polyetherpolyol and the like, or mixtures thereof.Examples thereof include the following agents: ethanol, ethylene glycol(EG), monopropylene glycol (MPG or 1,2-propane diol), 1,3-propane diol,1,2,3-propane triol (glycerol), and the like, and mixtures thereof.

According to a feature, this agent aims at decreasing the freezing pointof the conductive phase which should stay liquid over a range oftemperature comprised between about −20° C. and about +70° C.

Bromine salts have been found to lower the freezing point of theconductive fluid. As such, and according to another feature, thefreezing-point lowering agent may be the bromine anion, typically thebromine salt, so that any additional freezing-point lowering-agent isnot necessary, but still possible if desired.

According to still another feature, the conductive fluid comprises atleast one viscosity-controlling agent, namely a viscosity-adjustingagent. The viscosity-adjusting agent that may be used in the inventionmay be of any type known from the one skilled in the art and may beadvantageously an alcohol, a glycol, a glycol ether, a polyol, a polyether polyol and the like, or mixtures thereof. Examples thereof includethe following agents: ethanol, ethylene glycol, monopropylene glycol(MPG), 1,3-propane diol, 1,2,3-propane triol (glycerol), and the like,and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity-adjusting agent has a molecularweight of less than about 130 g/mol.

The viscosity-adjusting agent may be the same or different from thefreezing-point lowering agent. According to a feature, the conductivefluid comprises an agent that is both a freezing-point lowering agentand a viscosity-adjusting agent.

According to still another feature, the conductive fluid advantageouslycomprises a biocide agent in order to prevent the development of organicelements, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, micro-algae, and the like,which could worsen the optical properties of the optical electrowettingdevice, particularly in the case of a lens driven by electrowetting.

Such biocide agent may be of any type known in the art, provided, as isthe case for the freezing-point lowering agent and theviscosity-adjusting agent, that it does not alter the required opticalproperties of the conductive fluid (transparency, refractive index, andthe like, as mentioned above).

As another object, the present invention relates to a compositioncomprising water, a bromine anion, typically an organic or inorganicbromine salt, and a freezing-point lowering agent. Preferably saidcomposition also comprises a biocide agent and/or a viscosity-adjustingagent.

In a preferred embodiment, the conductive fluid comprises water, abromine salt, preferably lithium bromide and/or sodium bromide, afreezing-point lowering agent, preferably MPG, glycerol, or a mixture ofMPG and glycerol, and optionally a biocide agent and/or aviscosity-adjusting agent.

According to still a preferred embodiment, the composition of theinvention comprises:

-   -   about 0.5 weight % to about 25 weight %, advantageously about        1.0 weight % to about 20 weight %, preferably about 1.0 weight %        to about 15 weight %, of a bromine anion, preferably a bromine        salt;    -   about 5 weight % to about 60 weight % of a freezing-point        lowering agent, preferably about 10 weight % to about 50 weight        %;    -   0 weight % to about 50 weight % of a viscosity-adjusting agent,        preferably 0 weight % to about 40 weight %;    -   0 weight % to about 1 weight % of a biocide agent, preferably 0        weight % to 0.5 weight %; and    -   water in a quantity sufficient to 100 weight %.

As stated above, the conductive fluid comprising a bromine anion may bepresent together with an immiscible non conductive fluid so as to form amulti-phase liquid composition for use in an optical electrowettingdevice, e.g. an optical lens driven by electrowetting.

Another aspect of the invention is therefore a multi-phase liquidcomposition comprising a bromine anion-containing conductive fluid and anon-conductive fluid, the non-conductive fluid being immiscible in theconductive fluid.

The term “immiscible” refers to fluids that are non miscible orsubstantially non miscible the one into the other.

According to one embodiment, said composition has a mean arithmeticcinematic viscosity of between about 1.5 cSt and about 40 cSt,preferably of between about 1.5 cSt and about 20 cSt, more preferably ofbetween about 3 cSt and about 10 cSt, within a temperature range ofabout −10° C. to about +60° C., preferably of about −20° C. to about+60° C., more preferably of about −20° C. to about +70° C.

In the present application, the cinematic viscosity is measuredfollowing ASTM D7042-04. The resistance of the liquid between a rotorand a stator is determined at the determined temperature, e.g. at about−20° C., −10° C., +60° C. or +70° C. and/or at intermediate valueswithin the range of temperature comprised between about −20° C., −10°C., and +60° C. or +70° C. A viscometer of the type of Anton Paar SVM3000 may be used, and reference is made to EP-B1-0 926 481, the contentof which is hereby incorporated. The content of these documents ishereby incorporated herein by reference. The mean arithmetic cinematicviscosity is the mathematic mean of the cinematic viscosities measuredseparately for the conductive and non-conductive fluids using the abovemethod.

According to another feature, the difference of viscosity between theconductive fluid and the non-conductive fluid is comprised between 0 cStand about ±10 cSt, preferentially between 0 cSt and about ±5 cSt, withina temperature range of about −10° C. to about +60° C., preferably ofabout −20° C. to about +60° C., more preferably of about −20° C. toabout +70° C.

According to a feature, the multi-phase liquid composition comprises anon-conductive fluid that is immiscible in the conductive fluid. Thissaid non-conductive fluid comprising an organic or an inorganic(mineral) compound or mixture thereof. Examples of such organic orinorganic compounds include a Si-based monomer or oligomer, a Ge-basedmonomer or oligomer, a Si—Ge-based monomer or oligomer, a hydrocarbon,or a mixture thereof.

The hydrocarbon may be linear or branched and may contain one or moresaturated, unsaturated or partially unsaturated cyclic moiety(ies). Thehydrocarbon has advantageously from about 10 to about 35 carbon atoms,preferably from about 15 to about 35 carbon atoms. Hydrocarbons havingless than about 10 carbon atoms are less preferred since miscibilityinto the conductive fluid may occur.

The hydrocarbon may comprise one or more unsaturation(s) in the form ofdouble and/or triple bond(s). More than 2 or 3 double or triple bondsare not preferred considering the risk of decomposition with UVradiations. Preferably the hydrocarbon does not contain any double ortriple bonds, in which case the hydrocarbons are referred to as alkanesin the present specification.

The hydrocarbon may further comprise one or more heteroatoms, assubstituants and/or as atoms or group of atoms interrupting thehydrocarbon chain and/or ring. Such heteroatoms include, but are notlimited to, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphor, halogens (mainly asfluorine, chlorine, bromine and/or iodine). Care should be taken thatthe presence of one or more heteroatom(s) does not impact theimmiscibility of the two fluids.

May be used mixtures containing more than about 99.8 % of alkanes. Thesemixtures may contain little amount of aromatic groups and/or unsaturatedmoieties in a ratio lower than about 1 weight % (preferentially lowerthan about 0.5%). Chlorine may also be present in said alkane, in aratio lower than about 10 weight %, preferentially lower than about 7%.Such impurities may be present as sub-product resulting from thepreparation of the alkanes, e.g. when they are obtained by distillationprocess.

According to various features of the present invention, the hydrocarbonis or comprises:

-   -   a linear or branched alkane, such as decane (C₁₀H₂₂), dodecane        (C₁₂H₂₄), squalane (C₃₀H₆₂), and the like;    -   an alkane comprising one or more rings, such as        tert-butylcyclohexane (C₁₀H₂₀), and the like;    -   a fused ring system, such as α-chloronaphthalene,        α-bromonaphthalene, cis,trans-decahydronaphthalene (C₁₀H₁₈), and        the like;    -   a mixture of hydrocarbons, such as those available as Isopar® V,        Isopar® P (from Exxon Mobil); and the like,

and mixtures thereof.

In the present application, an oligomer is a compound having a number ofidentical (homo-oligomers) or different (co-oligomers) repeating units,of between about 2 and about 20, preferably between about 2 and about10, and still more preferably between about 2 and about 5. Oligomershaving more than about 20 repeating units are less preferred since theymay induce an undesirable increase of viscosity at low temperature.

The non-conductive fluid may contain one or several of the followingsilicon-based species:

-   -   a siloxane of the formula 1a, 1b or 1c:

wherein each of R1, R2 and R′ independently represents alkyl,(hetero)aryl, (hetero)arylalkyl, (hetero)arylalkenyl or(hetero)arylalkynyl and n is comprised between about 1 and about 20,preferably between about 1 and about 10, more preferably n is 1, 2, 3, 4or 5 and with the precision that n is greater than 2 in formula 1c;

-   -   a silane of formula 2:

wherein R1, R2 and R′ are as defined above and m is comprised betweenabout 1 and about 20, preferably between about 1 and about 10, morepreferably m is 1, 2 or 3;

-   -   a monosilane of formula 3:

wherein R1 and R2 are as defined above, and each of R3 and R4independently represents alkyl, (hetero)aryl, (hetero)arylalkyl,(hetero)arylalkenyl or (hetero)arylalkynyl.

In the above formulae:

-   -   alkyl means a straight or branched alkyl radical having from        about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, preferably from about 1 to        about 6 carbon atoms; preferred alkyl includes methyl, ethyl,        n-propyl, iso-propyl; alkyl radical may be halogenated, for        instance may comprise a 1,1,1-trifluopropyl group;    -   (hetero)aryl means an aromatic or heteroaromatic radical        containing from about 5 to about 12 atoms, forming at least one,        preferably one, aromatic and/or heteroaromatic ring, said        ring(s) being optionally substituted by one or more halogens,        preferably 1, 2 or 3 halogen atoms (mainly fluorine, chlorine        and/or bromine), and being optionally fused with one or more        saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated ring system;        preferred (hetero)aryl is phenyl or naphthyl, optionally        substituted with 1, 2 or 3 halogen atoms;    -   (hetero)arylalkyl is as defined above for each of the alkyl and        (hetero)aryl radical; preferred (hetero)arylalkyls include        benzyl, phenethyl, optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 halogen        atoms;    -   (hetero)arylalkenyl and (hetero)arylalkynyl correspond to        radicals wherein the (hetero)aryl moiety is as defined above,        and alkenyl and alkynyl represent a straight or branched alkyl        radical, as defined above, further comprising one or more,        preferably one, double bond or one or more, preferably one,        triple bond, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, in the above formulae 1a, 1b and 2,all R′ are identical or different and are preferably methyl orhalogenated alkyls;

According to a further preferred embodiment, in the above formulae 1a,1b and 2, all R′ are the same, more preferably each R′ is methyl.

The non-conductive fluid may contain one or several of the followingspecific silicon-based species:

-   -   hexamethyldisilane, diphenyldimethylsilane,        chlorophenyltrimethylsilane, phenyltrimethyl-silane,    -   phenethyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane,        phenyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, polydimethylsiloxane,        tetraphenyltetramethyltrisiloxane,        poly(3,3,3-trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane),        3,5,7-triphenylnonamethylpentasiloxane,        3,5-diphenyloctamethyltetrasiloxane,        1,1,5,5-tetraphenyl-1,3,3,5-tetramethyltrisiloxane, and        hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane.

According to another feature, the non-conductive fluid may contain oneor several of the following germane based species:

-   -   germanoxane of formula 4    -   germane of formula 5    -   germane of formula 6

wherein R′, R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are as defined above.

The non-conductive fluid may contain one or several of the followingspecific germane based species: hexamethyldigermane,diphenyldimethylgermane, phenyltrimethyl-germane.

According to still another feature, the non-conductive fluid comprisesat least one Si— and/or Ge-based compound substituted by one or morephenyl groups and/or other groups like fluorinated or non fluorinatedalkyl (ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl), linear or branched alkyls, chlorinatedor brominated phenyl groups, benzyl groups, halogenated benzyl groups;or a mixture of Si— and/or Ge-based compounds wherein at least onecompound is substituted by one or more phenyl groups and/or other groupslike fluorinated or non fluorinated alkyl (ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl),linear or branched alkyls, chlorinated or brominated phenyl groups,benzyl groups, halogenated benzyl groups.

In a preferred embodiment, when the non-conductive fluid comprises asiloxane compound, especially an aryl siloxane compound, said compoundis such that the ratio of the total number of aryl, e.g. phenyl,radicals or groups to the total number of Si atoms is equal to or lessthan about 1.33, preferably equal to or less than 1, and more preferablyequal to or less than about 0.8.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a Si—and/or Ge-based compound substituted by one or more phenyl groups or ofa mixture of Si— and/or Ge-based compounds wherein at least one compoundis substituted by one or more phenyl groups, in the non-conductive fluidof an optical lens driven by electrowetting. For siloxane compounds,especially aryl siloxane compounds, the ratio of the total number ofaryl, e.g. phenyl, radicals or groups to the total of Si atoms is equalto or less than about 1.33, preferably less than about 1, and morepreferably less than about 0.8.

Si-based compounds containing a ratio of aryl, e.g. phenyl radicals orgroups to Si atoms greater than about 1.33 can become hazy after thermalstress when they are in the presence of the aqueous conductive fluid.Turbidity value for such oils is usually higher than about 1000 NTU.Using selected siloxanes or silanes where the number ratio of phenylgroups to Si is equal to or less than about 1.33, preferably, less thanabout 1, and more preferably less than about 0.8, leads to a decrease ofturbidity to less than about 200 NTU, which is an acceptable value foruse in optical electrowetting devices, such as optical lenses.

Turbidity, or haze, is generally not observed, or is below about 1 NTU,after thermal stress, when the non-conductive phase is, or comprises, ahydrocarbon, typically an alkane.

Thus in an aspect, the invention features a multi-phase compositioncomprising a conductive fluid and a non-conductive fluid that isimmiscible in the conductive fluid, wherein the non-conductive fluidcomprises a Si— and/or Ge-based compound substituted by one or morephenyl groups or a mixture of Si— and/or Ge-based compounds wherein atleast one compound is substituted by one or more phenyl groups. Forsiloxane compounds, especially aryl siloxane compounds, the ratio of thetotal number of aryl, e.g. phenyl, radicals or groups to the total of Siatoms is equal to or less than about 1.33, preferably less than about 1,and more preferably less than about 0.8.

In still another aspect, the invention features an opticalelectrowetting device, especially an optical lens driven byelectrowetting, comprising a conductive fluid and a non-conductive fluidthat is immiscible in the conductive fluid, wherein the non-conductivefluid comprises a Si— and/or Ge-based compound substituted by one ormore phenyl groups or a mixture of Si— and/or Ge-based compounds whereinat least one compound is substituted by one or more phenyl groups. Forsiloxane compounds, especially aryl siloxane compounds, the ratio of thetotal number of aryl, e.g. is phenyl, radicals or groups to the total ofSi atoms is equal to or less than about 1.33, preferably less than about1, and more preferably less than about 0.8.

According to another feature of the- present invention, thenon-conductive fluid comprises a wetting agent to increase thewettability of said fluid on the lower plate (isolating substrate) ofthe lens. The nature of the wetting agent will depend on the nature ofthe lower plate surface of said lens.

Still according to another feature, the organic or inorganic (mineral)compound or mixture thereof that is the primary component of thenon-conductive fluid may itself have wetting properties with respect tothe substrate or the coating, as is for example the case with aryl monogermane compounds as described above, or may comprise a component thatpresents this property. The organic or inorganic (mineral) compound maythus itself be the wetting agent when a specific substrate or coating isused.

Examples of organic or inorganic (mineral) compounds—and/or of wettingagents, specifically on Parylene®, or other non-conductive (isolating)layer or coating having a high surface energy (>30 mN/m)—are presentedin Tables 1,2 and 3 below:

TABLE 1 Surface Refractive tension Density at index at Viscosity at 20°C. 589.3 nm at 20° C. 20° C. Compound (g/cm3) at 20° C. (cSt) (mN/m)1-Bromononane 1.0895 1.4545 1.9 28.69 1,2-Dibromohexane 1.5812 1.50261.7 30.52 Bromocyclohexane 1.3347 1.4954 1.8 31.57 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-1.0423 1.5244 3.3 34.36 phenylpropane 1,9-Dichlorononane 1.0102 1.45993.9 34.49 1,8-Dichlorooctane 1.0261 1.4592 3.2 34.52 1,10-Dichlorodecane0.9966 1.4609 4.8 34.54 Cycloheptylbromide 1.3085 1.5045 2.4 35.051-Chloro-3-phenylpropane 1.0478 1.5222 2.4 35.94 2-phenylethylbromide1.37 1.5573 2.3 37.69 1,8-Dibromooctane 1.4657 1.4993 4.1 37.731-Bromo-3-phenylpropane 1.3127 1.545 2.7 37.92 1,6-Dibromohexane 1.6081.5073 2.7 38.39 1,9-Dibromononane 1.4115 1.4964 4.9 391,1,2-Tribromoethane 2.61 1.593 1.63 43.16

TABLE 2 Surface Density Refractive tension at index at Viscosity at 20°C. 589.3 nm at 20° C. 20° C. Compound (g/cm3) at 20° C. (cSt) (mN/m)Cyclohexylbenzene 0.9424 1.5258 3.0 30.62 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 1.30611.5514 1.1 31.56 1-Chloro-2-fluorobenzene 1.2405 1.5010 0.8 31.822-Chloro-1,4-dimethylbenzene 1.056 1.5235 1.0 31.9 Chlorobenzene 1.10661.5248 0.7 32.63 1-Bromo-4-propylbenzene 1.286 1.5363 1.6 33.151-Bromo-4-ethylbenzene 1.3395 1.5446 1.1 33.65 Bromobenzene 1.49641.5597 0.8 33.99 1-Phenyl-1-cyclohexene 0.99 1.5684 37.25 Cyclopropylphenyl sulfide 1.0619 1.5823 2.7 38.43 4-Chlorodiphenyl ether 1.19161.5885 4.7 39.13 Thioanisole 1.0584 1.5870 1.5 39.23 Phenyl sulfide1.1123 1.6328 4.3 41.36 4-Bromodiphenyl ether 1.4213 1.6082 5.9 42.122-Fluorobenzophenone 1.1853 1.5856 17.8 42.44 1-Bromonaphtalene 1.48891.6582 3.7 43.57 2-Bromothioanisole 1.542 1.6338 3.3 44.58

TABLE 3 Density Refractive index at 20° C. at 589.3 nm Compound (g/cm3)(20° C.) Diphenyldimethylgermane 1.18 1.573 Phenyltrimethylgermane 1.111.505 Diphenyldimethylsilane 0.99 1.561

Examples of organic or inorganic (mineral) compounds—and/or of wettingagents specifically on Teflon® AF or other isolating layer or coatinghaving a low surface energy (<30 mN/m)—are presented in the followingTables 4 (siloxanes) and 5 (other compounds):

TABLE 4 Refractive Surface Density index Viscosity tension at 20° C. at589.3 nm at 20° C. at 20° C. Compound (g/cm3) at 20° C. (cSt) (mN/m)3,5-Diphenyloctamethyl-tetrasiloxane 0.9759 1.4772 6.7 23.92 Baysilone M5 (Bayer) 0.9162 1.3982 5.4 18.41 Baysilone PK 20 (Bayer) 0.9822 1.460921.5 22.05 Siloxane DC200/0.65 (Dow Corning) 0.7634 1.3772 0.6 15.57Siloxane DC200/10 (Dow Corning) 0.9392 1.4010 10.7 18.38 SiloxaneDC200/5 (Dow Corning) 0.9168 1.3980 5.6 18.61 Siloxane DC702 (DowCorning) 1.0916 1.5181 62.2 28.45 Siloxane DC FS1265 (Dow Corning)1.2509 1.3814 410.3 21.56 DES T11 (ABCR) 0.9468 1.4330 6.3 23.85 DMS-T02(ABCR) 0.8978 1.3955 3.3 18.2 Hexamethyldisilane 0.71 1.4226 20.56PMM-0011 (ABCR) 0.979 1.4806 6.5 23.32poly(Dimethylsiloxane-co-diphenylsiloxane), 550 1.0643 1.4977 148.824.73 poly(Dimethylsiloxane-co-diphenylsiloxane), 1.0477 1.4717 71.321.89 dihydroxy terminated Rhodorsil 47V10 (Rhodia) 0.9376 1.4007 10.619.16 Rhodorsil 550 (Rhodia) 1.068 1.5008 192.5 21.32 Rhodorsil 604V50(Rhodia) 0.9623 1.4039 53.5 20.13 SIB 1816.0 (ABCR) 1.4772 1.3383 9.718.73 FMS 121 1.224 1.3810 125.6 21.73

TABLE 5 Refractive Surface Density index at Viscosity tension at 20° C.589.3 nm at 20° C. at 20° C. Compound (g/cm3) at 20° C. (cSt) (mN/m)1,3,5-Triisopropylbenzene 0.84 1.4886 4.9 26.87 1,3-Diisopropylbenzene0.8559 1.4887 1.7 27.28 1-bromo-2,5-difluorobenzene 1.708 1.5087 25.751-bromo-4-butylbenzene 1.2399 1.5301 2.0 23.59 1-Bromododecane 1.03551.4580 3.8 27.65 1-chlorooctane 0.873 1.4303 1.4 26.741-Chlorotetradecane 0.8652 1.4468 5.1 29.62 2-bromododecane 1.02 1.457625.28 cis,trans-decahydronaphthalene 0.881 1.4740 2.9 28.54 Cyclohexane0.7786 1.4261 1.2 25 Dodecane 0.753 1.4218 24.53 Heptane 0.684 1.38760.5 20.27 Hexane 0.6597 1.3748 0.3 18.05 Isopar P 0.8001 1.4442 4.225.24 Nonane 0.7178 1.4054 0.9 22.5 Octane 0.7029 1.3974 0.7 21.39o-Xylene 0.88 1.5048 0.9 26.94 p-Xylene 0.8611 1.4958 0.7 27.6 Undecane0.7406 1.4171 1.5 23.93 1,1,1,5,5,5-Hexafluoroacetylacetone 1.47 1.334214.74 Bromopentafluorobenzene 1.9442 1.4493 0.8 25.53 Fluorinated HFE7200 (3M) 1.4338 0.5 14.38 FC-40 (3M) 1.8839 2.9 16.38 FC-75 (3M) 1.77350.9 14.35 Perfluoropolyether Galden HT230 1.8295 5.8 15.49(Solvaysolexis) Perfluoropolyether Galden HT270 1.8612 17.5 16.43(Solvaysolexis) 1-Fluorooctane 0.8123 1.3953 1.0 23.77

Among the wetting agents, those of formula (I) or of formula (II) or amixture thereof are preferred for use on an insulating layer having ahigh surface energy (>about 30 mN/m), such as Parylene® for example:

wherein:

-   -   X, X¹ and X² are halogen atoms (mainly fluorine, chlorine and/or        bromine);    -   A is linear or branched (C₄-C₂₀)alkylene, optionally substituted        by halogen atom(s), and optionally comprising one or more,        preferably one, double bond, and/or one or more, preferably one,        triple bond;    -   Ak is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, preferably C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as methyl,        ethyl, propyl, and linear or branched butyls, pentyls and        hexyls;    -   p and q are each chosen from 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, provided that p+q        is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

Preferably, X, X¹ and X² are independently Cl or Br. Ak preferablyrepresents ethyl.

Examples of formula (I) include the compounds listed in Table 1 above.Examples of formula (II) include the compounds listed in Table 2 above.

Among the wetting agents, those of formula (III) or of formula (IV) or amixture thereof are appropriate embodiments on an insulating layerhaving a high surface energy (>about 30 mN/m), such as Parylene® forexample:

-   -   (III) Siloxane having a ratio of phenyl groups to silicon atom        below 1,    -   (IV) X³—A_(n),    -   wherein    -   X³ is halogen (preferably fluorine, chlorine or bromine) or        hydrogen; and    -   A_(n) is a linear or branched hydrocarbon or fluorinated        hydrocarbon having n carbon atoms, n being equal to or greater        than about 2 and equal to or smaller than about 20 and        preferably equal to or greater than about 2 and equal to or        smaller than about 10.

Compounds of formula (I) and of formula (II) show a good resistance tohydrolysis when in contact with an aqueous conductive fluid, and areparticularly suitable wetting agents.

The wetting agent may be a monohalogenated aromatic compound, aα,ω-dihalogenated alkyl compound or a mixture thereof. In a preferredembodiment, the non-conductive fluid comprises 1-bromo-4-ethylbenzene,α,ω-dichlorooctane or a mixture thereof as a wetting agent.

In a preferred embodiment, the non-conductive fluid comprisesα,ω-dichlorooctane as hydrolysis-resistant wetting agent.

In another preferred embodiment, the non-conductive fluid comprises1-bromo-4-ethylbenzene as hydrolysis-resistant wetting agent.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a multi-phase liquidcomposition comprising a conductive fluid and a non-conductive fluid,each of said fluids presenting substantially the same density, thenon-conductive fluid being immiscible in the conductive fluid andcomprising at least one Si— and/or Ge-based compound, and at least onehydrolysis-resistant compound of formula (I) or of formula (II) asherein above described.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a liquid compositioncomprising a Si-based compound, a Ge-based compound, a Si—Ge-basedcompound, or a mixture thereof and at least one hydrolysis-resistantcompound chosen from compound of formula (I) and compound of formula(II) as described above, preferably α,ω-dichlorooctane.

The invention features the use of a compound of formula (I), preferablyα,ω-dichloro-octane, in an optical electrowetting device, especially anoptical lens driven by electrowetting, as hydrolysis-resistant compound.

The invention also features the use of a compound of formula (II),preferably 1-bromo-4-ethylbenzene, in an optical electrowetting device,especially an optical lens driven by electrowetting, ashydrolysis-resistant compound.

One or more of the following features may also be included:

-   -   the non-conductive fluid further comprises an anti-oxidant,    -   the non-conductive fluid further comprises a biocide compound,        which may be the same as, or different from, the biocide        optionally present in the conductive fluid,    -   the non-conductive fluid and/or the conductive fluid comprise(s)        a UV-filtering agent to prevent the fluid components from any        undesirable decomposition when exposed to light, especially        sun-light.

Anti-oxidant compounds include those known by the one skilled in theart, and, for example, are of the BHT-type (butylated hydroxytoluene)anti-oxidants, such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol.

Biocide compounds include those usually known and used in the art, andfor example 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one (MIT) and1,2-benzisothiozoline-3-one (BIT).

The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the bromine anion,typically bromine salt, present in the conductive fluid substantiallyreduces, or even avoid the corrosion of the plates and side walls of theoptical electrowetting device, especially when these are made of glassand/or stainless steel, for example as compared with a conductive fluidcomprising a chlorine anion.

According to another feature, the invention also relates to the use of abromine anion, typically a bromine salt in the conductive fluid of anoptical electrowetting device as non-corrosive agent, especiallynon-corrosive towards glass, stainless steel or both.

According to another feature, the non-conductive fluid and theconductive fluid have substantially the same density. This means it isacceptable that the difference of densities may vary within a shortrange. Typically, it is preferred the difference of densities is notmore than about 3.10⁻³ g/cm³ at 20° C.

When a bromine anion, typically bromine salt, is used in the conductivefluid, said bromine anion may also be useful for adjusting the densityof said conductive fluid so that the difference between the density ofthe conductive fluid and that of the non-conductive fluid is within theabove limit.

Thus, and according to another feature, the invention also relates tothe use of a bromine anion, typically a bromine salt in the conductivefluid of an optical electrowetting device as density-adjusting agent ofthe conductive fluid with respect to the density of the non conductivefluid.

According to another feature, the non-conductive fluid and theconductive fluid are transparent (as defined above) and each have arefractive index different from the other.

The difference of refractive index of the two fluids advantageouslyranges from about ±0.03 to about ±0.8, preferably from about ±0.04 toabout ±0.6, more preferably from about ±0.06 to about ±0.3.

In a preferred embodiment, the refractive index of the non-conductivefluid is greater than the refractive index of the conductive fluid.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an optical electrowettingdevice, especially an optical lens driven by electrowetting, comprisinga multiphase liquid composition according to the invention.

In another aspect, the invention is related to an apparatus containingan optical electrowetting device according to the invention. In afeature, the apparatus comprises means to apply an A.C. (alternativecurrent) or a D.C. (direct current) voltage, preferably an A.C. voltageto the conductive fluid.

The optical electrowetting device of the invention may be a variablefocus liquid lens, an optical diaphragm, an optical zoom.

In still another aspect, the invention is related to a set or to anapparatus comprising an optical electrowetting device according to theinvention, and a driver or similar electronic means for controlling thedevice. In an embodiment, an optical electrowetting device and thedriver or similar electronic means are integrated in the apparatus. Inanother embodiment, the apparatus comprises several (more than one)optical electrowetting device(s) and at least one driver or similarelectronic means. According to a feature, the driver comprises means toapply an A.C. or D.C. voltage, preferably an A.C. voltage, to theconductive fluid. The apparatus may be a camera, a cell phone, anendoscope, a telemeter, a dental video camera.

The present invention will now be described in further details by way ofnon-limiting examples and by reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-section view of a variable-focus liquidlens according to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the effect on the turbidity of the non-conductingfluid, depending on the types of salts used in the conducting fluid.

The invention is now described with the following examples which arepresented as illustration of some specific embodiments and which are notintended to limit the scope of the invention, the scope of which isclearly defined in the appended claims.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES Example 1 Conductive Fluid Compositions

Unless otherwise specified, all % are weight %, and all characteristicsare measured at 20° C.

Composition A (According to the Invention)

Lithium bromine: 1.5% Mono propylene glycol:  45% Biocide: 0.15%  Water:Quantity to100%

Composition B (According to the Invention)

Lithium bromine:  6% Mono propylene glycol: 20% Ethylene glycol: 20%Biocide: 0.15%   Water: Quantity to 100%

Composition C (According to the Invention)

Lithium bromine:  6% Mono propylene glycol: 20% Ethylene glycol: 20%Water: Quantity to 100%

Composition CF1 (Comparative Example)

Sodium sulfate:  0.2% 1,2-propane diol: 43.8% 1,2,3-propane triol: 22.2%Biocide: 0.03% Water: Quantity to 100%

Example 2 Multi-Phase Compositions According to the Invention

Main Component of the Non Conductive Fluid

The following hydrocarbon compounds may be used in the non-conductivefluid:

decane (C₁₀H₂₂), dodecane (C₁₂H₂₄), squalane (C₃₀H₆₂);tert-butylcyclohexane (C₁₀H₂₀), α-chloronaphthalene, α-bromonaphthalene,cis,trans-decahydronaphthalene (C₁₀H₁₈), Isopar® V (Exxon Mobil),Isopar® P (Exxon Mobil),

Non-Conductive Fluid Compositions:

Composition D

SIP 6827 ® (ABCR GmbH): 16.4%   DC 702 ® (mixture of cyclosiloxane 58%and phenylated siloxanes, Dow Corning) 1,8-dichlorooctane: 25%Antioxidant: 0.6%  Density: 1.0448 g/cm³ Refractive index: 1.4905

Composition E

Isopar ® V: 19% Chlorooctane: 19.4%   p-bromoethylbenzene: 61%Antioxidant: 0.6%  Density: 1.0893 g/cm³ Refractive index: 1.4915

Composition F

Isopar ® V: 35.2% p-bromoethylbenzene: 64.2% Antioxidant:  0.6% Density:1.0890 g/cm³ Refractive index: 1.5010

Examples of Multi-Phase Compositions According to the Invention:

Multi-Phase Composition MP1:

Conductive fluid Composition A Non-conductive fluid Composition D

Mean cinematic viscosity: 7.9 cSt (or mm²/s)

Multi-Phase Composition MP2:

Conductive fluid Composition B Non-conductive fluid Composition E

Mean cinematic viscosity: 2.8 cSt (or mm²/s)

Multi-Phase Composition MP3:

Conductive fluid Composition B Non-conductive fluid Composition F

Mean cinematic viscosity: 3.2 cSt (or mm²/s)

Other examples of multi-phase liquid compositions are given hereinbelow:

Multi-Phase Composition MP4:

Non-conductive fluid Conductive fluid Compound Amount Compound AmountSIP 6827 27.7% NaBr 0.50%   DC 702   40% water 48.5Phenyltrimethylgermane 32.3% EG 12% TMG 38% Pentanol  1% d (g/cm3):1.0434 d (g/cm3): 1.0447 n: 1.489 n: 1.38895 viscosity (cSt): 4.5viscosity (cSt): 5.1 Δd (g/cm3): 0.0013 Δn: 0.10005 Average viscosity(cSt): 4.8

Multi-Phase Composition MP5:

Non-conductive fluid Conductive fluid Compound Amount Compound AmountSIP 6823 (silane) 21% NaBr 0.50%   DC 702 40% water 48.5Phenyltrimethylgermane 39% EG 12% TMG 38% Pentanol  1% d (g/cm3): 1.0411d (g/cm3): 1.0447 n: 1.50747 n: 1.38895 viscosity (cSt): 3.0 viscosity(cSt): 5.1 Δd (g/cm3): 0.0036 Δn: 0.11852 Average viscosity (cSt): 4.1

Multi-Phase Composition MP6:

Non-conductive fluid Conductive fluid Compound Amount Compound AmountSIP 6827.0 23.00% NaBr 0.50% Phenyltrimethylgermane 77.00% Water 49.50%EG 39.00% MPG 10.00% Pentanol 1.00% d (g/cm3): 1.0578 d (g/cm3): 1.0602n: 1.48735 n: 1.38564 viscosity (cSt): 1.3 viscosity (cSt): 4.0 Δd(g/cm3): 0.0024 Δn: 0.10171 Average viscosity (cSt): 2.7

Multi-Phase Composition MP7:

Non-conductive fluid Conductive fluid Compound Amount Compound AmountPhenyltrimethylgermane 66.00% NaBr 0.50%   DMS T15 14.00% Water 48.5 SIP6827.0 20.00% EG 12% TMG 38% Pentanol  1% d (g/cm3): 1.0467 d (g/cm3):1.0447 n: 1.47536 n: 1.38895 viscosity (cSt): 2.5 viscosity (cSt): 5.1Δd (g/cm3): 0.002 Δn: 0.08641 Average viscosity (cSt): 3.8

Multi-Phase Composition MP8:

Non-conductive fluid Conductive fluid Compound Amount Compound Amount DC200/10 10.00% NaBr 5.00% Phenyltrimethylgermane 90.00% water 47.00% EG47.00% Pentanol 1.00% d (g/cm3): 1.09805 d (g/cm3): 1.1016 n: 1.4942 n:1.3908 viscosity (cSt): 1.3 viscosity (cSt): 3.8 Δd (g/cm3): 0.0031 Δn:0.1034 Average viscosity (cSt): 2.5

Multi-Phase Composition MP9:

Non-conductive fluid Conductive fluid Compound Amount Compound AmountDMS-T02 34.00% NaBr 2.50% diphényldiméthylgermane 66.00% water 51.00% EG45.30% Pentanol 1.00% 1-Hexanol 0.20% d (g/cm3): 1.0792 d (g/cm3):1.0774 n: 1.5113 n: 1.3822 viscosity (cSt): 3.8 viscosity (cSt): 3.6 Δd(g/cm3): 0.0019 Δn: 0.1291 Average viscosity (cSt): 3.7

Multi-Phase Composition MP10:

Non-conductive fluid Conductive fluid Compound Amount Compound AmountDiphényldiméthylgermane 76.00% NaBr  2.50% Isopar P 24.00% water 48.50%EG 48.00% Pentanol    1% d (g/cm3): 1.0833 d(g/cm3): 1.0811 n: 1.5405 n:1.3846 viscosity (cSt): 4.1 viscosity (cSt): 3.9 Δd (g/cm3): 0.0022 Δn:0.1559 Average viscosity (cSt): 4.0

Example 2 Turbidity Assay

Turbidity is measured using a HACH® 2100p turbidimeter, on 10 mL offluid.

A multi-phase composition (conductive fluid+non-conductive fluid) iswarmed at 85° C. for 18 hours (thermal stress).

The multi-phase composition is allowed to cool to room temperature (2hours) after the thermal stress.

Each of the fluid is then assayed at various period of time forturbidity.

As an example, FIG. 1 illustrates the effect of the type of salt used inthe conductive fluid on the turbidity of the non-conductive fluid:

Four multi-phase compositions of DC 704® and

-   -   1) CF1 (d=1.086)    -   2) Water alone    -   3) solution of LiBr in water (d=1.09, 13% in weight)    -   4) solution of ZnBr₂ in water (d=1.09, 9.9% in weight)        are submitted to a thermal stress as described above.

Turbidity of DC 704® is assayed for each multi-phase composition atvarious periods of time, up to 100 hours after thermal stress.

Transparence recovery is more rapid with multi-phase compositions havinga conductive phase comprising a bromine salt, than those having purewater or even a sulfate salt as conductive phase.

1. A method of making an optical electrowetting device, comprisingincorporating into an electrowetting structure a conductive fluidcomprising a bromine anion.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theelectrowetting device comprises an optical lens driven byelectrowetting.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the bromine anioncomprises an organic or inorganic bromine salt.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the bromine salt is selected from the group consisting of analkali bromide an alkaline-earth bromide zinc bromide, mixtures thereof.5. The method of claim 4, wherein the bromine salt is lithium bromide orsodium bromide.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the conductive fluidhas substantially no turbidity upon and after thermal stress.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the bromine anion is added in an amountsufficient to provide a freezing-point lowering effect.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the bromine anion is added in an amount sufficient toprovide a non-corrosive effect.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theoptical electrowetting device comprises a conductive fluid and anon-conductive fluid that is immiscible in the conductive fluid, andwherein the bromine anion is added in an amount sufficient to provide adensity-adjusting effect in the conductive fluid with respect to thedensity of the non conductive fluid.
 10. A composition comprising water,a bromine anion and a freezing-point lowering agent.
 11. A compositionof claim 10, wherein the bromine anion is an organic or inorganicbromine salt.
 12. A composition of claim 10 further comprising aviscosity-adjusting agent.
 13. A composition of claim 10 furthercomprising a biocide agent.
 14. A composition of claim 10 comprising:0.5 weight % to 25 weight % of a bromine salt; 5 weight % to 60 weight %of a freezing-point lowering agent; 0 weight % to 50 weight % of aviscosity-adjusting agent; 0 weight % to 1 weight % of a biocide agent;and water in a quantity sufficient to 100 weight %.
 15. A composition ofclaim 10 comprising: 1.0 weight % to 20 weight % of a bromine salt; 10weight % to 50 weight % of a freezing-point lowering agent; 0 weight %to 40 weight % of a viscosity-adjusting agent; 0 weight % to 0.5 weight% of a biocide agent; and water in a quantity sufficient to 100 weight%.
 16. A multi-phase liquid composition comprising a conductive fluidand a non-conductive fluid that is immiscible in the conductive fluid,wherein the conductive fluid comprises a bromine salt.
 17. A multi-phasecomposition of claim 16, wherein the conductive fluid further compriseswater and a freezing-point lowering agent.
 18. A multi-phase compositionof claim 16, wherein the non-conductive fluid being immiscible in theconductive fluid, the multi-phase composition has a cinematic viscosityof between 1.5 cSt and 40 cSt, within the temperature range of −20° C.to +70° C.
 19. The multi-phase composition of claim 18, having acinematic viscosity of between 1.5 cSt and 20 cSt, within thetemperature range of −20° C. to +70° C.
 20. The multi-phase compositionof claim 16, wherein the difference of viscosity between the conductivefluid and the non-conductive fluid is comprised between 0 cSt and ±10cSt, within the temperature range of −20° C. to +70° C.
 21. An opticalelectrowetting device comprising a conductive fluid and a non-conductivefluid that is immiscible in the conductive fluid, wherein the conductivefluid comprises a bromine anion.
 22. The optical electrowetting deviceof claim 21, wherein the conductive fluid further comprises water and afreezing-point lowering agent.
 23. The optical electrowetting device ofclaim 21 that is variable focus liquid lens, or an optical diaphragm, anoptical zoom.
 24. The optical electrowetting device of claim 21 which isa lens driven by electrowetting.
 25. An apparatus comprising an opticalelectrowetting device of claim 21 and a driver or electronic means forcontrolling the interface.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, which is acamera, a cell phone, an endoscope, a telemeter or a dental videocamera.